Chemical direct pattern plating method

ABSTRACT

A semiconductor structure with an improved metal structure is described. The semiconductor structure can include a substrate having an upper surface, an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and an additional structure deposited over the interconnect layer. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer over the substrate, at least two metal lines over the seed layer, and a dielectric material between adjacent metal lines. A barrier layer can be deposited over the at least two metal lines. Methods of making the semiconductor structures are also described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/832,195, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/777,222, filed Mar. 12, 2013, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

In important aspect of semiconductor structures, such as integrated circuits, is the ability to interconnect various components both on the same layer and in different layers of the integrated circuit. As integrated circuits and other semiconductor structures get smaller, the size of the relevant interconnects also decreases. Conventional interconnect deposition techniques include damascene processes of patterning the interconnect within another structure, such as a dielectric. The damascene process has been used for hundreds of years to produce jewelry and various other ornamental objects. However, with the continued reduction of integrated circuit size it becomes more difficult to utilize conventional techniques for forming interconnects and vertical interconnect accesses (“vias”), especially when high-aspect ratio structures are involved. This significantly limits the ability to continue using conventional interconnect deposition techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing are not necessarily to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Like numerals denote like features throughout the specification and drawing.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart for forming a metal structure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of an intermediate structure following formation of a seed layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of an intermediate structure following formation of a patterned seed layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of an intermediate structure following formation of a metal line over the seed layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic showing how a copper line can be deposited over a seed layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional and top views, respectively, of an intermediate structure following deposition of a barrier layer on a metal line in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 6 following removal of the barrier layer between adjacent metal lines in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 7A is a top view of the structure of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 6 following deposition of a dielectric layer between and over the metal lines in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 8 following formation of a channel in the dielectric layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 9 following filling of the channel with a metal to form a via in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 10 following formation of additional structure over the interconnect layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the intermediate structure of FIG. 8 following planarization and formation of additional structure over an interconnect layer in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the structure of FIG. 11 following deposition of an interlayer and a second interconnect layer.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional views of metal lines of varying widths in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a structure where a metal layer was deposited over a seed layer deposited over a silicon substrate in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure provides for forming metal structures, such as interconnects and vertical interconnect accesses (“vias”) in MOS devices, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) and integrated circuits. As device sizes decrease, the ability to deposit uniform conductive (e.g., metal) lines in vias or trenches in dielectric layers using single and/or dual damascene processes is complicated. The disclosure provides methods for depositing first and second metal lines over the surface of the substrate prior to, depositing the dielectric layer that covers the conductive lines. An overview of the method used to form various metal structures according to the disclosure is provided in FIG. 1. Further details of the method and structures formed according to the methods are provided in conjunction with the subsequent figures.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart describing a broad method for carrying out the formation of a metal interconnect or via in accordance with some embodiments. At step 100, a semiconductor substrate is provided. The semiconductor substrate can be silicon, such as crystalline silicon, silicon on insulator (SOI), or another suitable semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the semiconductor substrate can be a structured substrate, having one or more devices in the active-device layers, such as a MOSFET, diode, capacitor or the like.

Step 102 provides for the formation of a patterned seed layer over or on the substrate. Step 104 provides for depositing a metal line over the seed structure. In some embodiments, step 106 provides for an optional step of depositing a barrier layer around the metal line. Step 108 provides for depositing a dielectric layer between adjacent metal lines, i.e., filling the space between adjacent, spaced-apart metal lines (such as first and second metal lines) with a dielectric layer. Step 110 provides for planarization of the interconnect layer, e.g., chemical mechanical polishing. Step 112 provides for an optional step of forming a filled via from the surface of the interconnect layer to the metal line. Step 114 provides for forming additional structures over or on the interconnect layer. Step 116 provides for additional processing. Examples of additional processing steps can include, but are not limited to, deposition of a dielectric layer, additional etching and polishing steps, deposition of additional circuitry and the like.

The method for forming a metal interconnect or via can include providing a substrate 10 having an upper surface 12, and forming an interconnect layer 14 over or on the upper surface 12. The method of forming the interconnect layer 14 can include forming a patterned seed layer 16 with multiple features (e.g., 16 a, 16 b) over or on the upper surface 12, selectively depositing a metal line 18 over the seed layer 16, and depositing a dielectric layer 20 between adjacent metal lines 18 (e.g., first and second metal lines 18 a, 18 b). The dielectric layer 20 can be formed from a dielectric material, a low-κ material, or an extreme low-κ material. As used herein, the phrase “low-κ” refers to a material having a dielectric constant less than silicon, while the phrase “extreme low-k (ELK)” refers to a material having a low dielectric constant of approximately 2.6 or less. Some ELK materials can have a dielectric constant ranging from approximately 2.4 to approximately 2.6. As used herein, “features” of the patterned seed layer, refer to discrete, separate parts of the seed layer.

In FIGS. 2-4 & 6, the A-series (FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A & 6A) is a cross-sectional view of the relevant substructure, while the B-series (FIGS. 2B, 3B, 4B & 6B) is a top plan view of the relevant substructure. FIGS. 2 & 3 show one embodiment of forming a patterned seed layer 16. As shown in FIG. 2, a base seed layer 15 can be deposited over or on the planar upper surface 12 of the substrate 10. Portions of the base seed layer 15 can be removed to form the patterned seed layer 16, as seen in FIG. 3. In such an embodiment, the portions of the base seed layer 15 can be removed using lithography and selective etching. Alternately, the patterned seed layer 16 can be applied directly without the intermediate step shown in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, a thickness of the patterned seed layer 16 can be 1-100 Å and can be 3-50 Å in other embodiments. As used herein, “over” is intended to include both “directly on” and “above, but not directly on.”

The seed layer 15, 16 can be a conductivity layer to facilitate electron transfer during formation of the metal line(s) 18. The metal line(s) (18) can be deposited over the patterned seed layer 16 by direct chemical plating in some embodiments or any suitable method in other embodiments. The seed layer 15,16 can include an element such as, but not limited to, Cu, Ru, Co, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, W, Sn, Ag Au, Pt, Ta, Ti, and combinations thereof. The seed layer 15, 16 can include a composition such as, but not limited to, RuO, RuTa, RuTi, CoO, MnO, CuCo, RuCu, TaCu, or combinations thereof.

FIGS. 4A and B show view of the structure of FIG. 3 after the metal line 18 is deposited over the patterned seed layer 16. The metal line 18 can be formed from a metal including, but not limited to, copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), rhodium (Rh), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), Cadmium (Cd), tungsten (W), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), ruthenium (Ru), tantalum (Ta), cobalt (Co), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a height (H) of the metal line can be 10-1000 Å or 50-500 Å.

The metal line 18 can be formed by a redox deposition technique in some embodiments. The redox deposition technique can be direct chemical plating in some embodiments and any suitable technique in other embodiments. FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a redox deposition technique for the deposition of a copper line. As shown in FIG. 5, the structure of FIG. 3 is exposed to a solution containing both copper cations (Cu²⁺) and a reducing agent, which results in deposition of copper on the patterned seed layer 16 and oxidation of the reducing agent. Examples of suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, hypophosphite (H₂PO₂ ⁻), sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) and mixtures thereof. The metal line 18 can include contaminants, such as boron or phosphorous, as a result of the direct chemical plating process. FIG. 15 shows a cross-section of a structure where a copper layer 18 was deposited on a ruthenium seed layer 15, which was deposited on a silicon substrate 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, a barrier layer 22 can be formed around the metal line 18. The barrier layer 22 can be formed of a material that acts as a barrier to diffusion of an element (e.g., a metal) present in the metal line 18 into the surrounding dielectric material 20 (FIG. 8). The barrier layer 22 can also enhance adhesion between the metal line 18 and the dielectric layer 20. As seen in FIG. 6, the first metal line 16 a, the second metal line 16 b, or both 16 a, 16 b can have rounded top surfaces. In some embodiments, the first metal line 16 a, the second metal line 16 b, or both 16 a, 16 b can have rounded top surfaces along portions thereof or along the entirety thereof.

As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b is not continuous between first and second metal lines 18 a & 18 b, which can be adjacent metal lines. Where the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b is not continuous as shown in FIG. 6, it is possible for the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b to be either conductive or non-conductive without forming a short-circuit between first and second metal lines 18 a, 18 b. However, if the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b comprises a conductive material, then the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b must be discontinuous as shown in FIG. 7, so as to avoid forming a short circuit between first and second metal lines 18 a, 18 b. As used herein first and second metal lines 18 a & 18 b can be adjacent metal lines and vive versa. Such a discontinuous barrier layer 22 a, 22 b can be formed using a chemical vapor deposition process with or without etching in some embodiments, and any suitable process in other embodiments. Suitable processes for depositing the barrier layer 22 include, but are not limited to, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique or a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique with or without masking techniques (such as lithography). Examples of CVD and PVD techniques include, but are not limited to, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), and sputtering. FIG. 7A is a top view of the structure of FIG. 7. A length L of the first metal line 18 a is greater than a width W of the first metal line 18 a.

The barrier layer 22 a, 22 b can be formed by (i) selectively depositing barrier materials so that the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b is not deposited over the substrate 10 between adjacent metal lines 18 a & 18 b; (ii) etching the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b to remove barrier material deposited between adjacent metal lines 18 a & 18 b; or (iii) both. As shown in FIG. 7, if the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b is conductive, there is no continuous barrier layer 22 a, 22 b deposited over or on the substrate 10 connecting adjacent metal lines 18 a, 18 b, between adjacent seed materials 16 a & 16 b, or both. For example, a conductive barrier layer 22 a, 22 b can include a material such as, but not limited to, Co, CoO, CoN, Ta, TaN, TaO, Ru, RuO, RuN, Mn, MnO, MnN, Ti, Tin, W, WO.

In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b comprises a dielectric material. Such a non-conductive material can be present between adjacent metal lines 18 a, 18 b, between adjacent seed materials 16 a & 16 b, or both, without resulting in short circuits between adjacent lines. When the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b is a dielectric barrier layer, the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b can be formed of a low-Å material or an extreme low-Å material. For example, the barrier layer 22 a, 22 b can include a material such as, but not limited to, Al_(x)O_(y), Al_(x)N_(y), SiC, SiO_(x)N_(y), and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, following deposition of the metal lines 18, a dielectric layer 20 is deposited between and over adjacent metal lines 18 a & 18 b. FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the structure of FIG. 6 after a dielectric layer 20 is deposited between and over adjacent metal lines 18 a & 18 b.

In some embodiments, the method includes planarizing the interconnect layer 14 as shown in FIG. 8. The planarizing step can be accomplished by chemical mechanical polishing in some embodiments and other suitable techniques in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the planarizing step 110 can include planarizing the dielectric layer 20 without planarizing the barrier layer 22 or the metal line 18. In other embodiments, such as where the interconnect layer 14 is planarized to the planarization level 26, the planarizing step 110 can include planarizing the dielectric layer, the barrier layer 22, and the metal line 18.

In some embodiments, the dielectric layer 20 extends above the metal line 18 and the barrier layer 22. As shown in FIGS. 9 & 10, in such embodiments, the method can further include forming a via 28 extending from an upper surface 30 of the interconnect layer 14 to the metal line 18. The via 28 can be formed by selectively etching a vertical channel 32 in the dielectric layer 20, as shown in FIG. 9, followed by filling the channel 32 with a conductive material 34 to form the via 28 as shown in FIG. 10. Following bulk fill of the via 28, the interconnect layer 14 can be planarized. The metal line 18 and the via 28 can be electrically coupled to one another. In some embodiments, the majority of the via 28 is formed by the metal line 18, so that high aspect-ratio structures are not formed during this step and the via 28 can be formed using techniques, such as single-damascene techniques.

In some embodiments, the process can also include depositing additional structures 36 over the interconnect layer 14. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where additional structures 36 are deposited over the interconnect layer 14 following deposition of a second metal line 38 as part of a via 28. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where additional structures 36 are deposited over the interconnect layer 14 following planarization down to the metal line 18 (i.e., the planarization level 26 of FIG. 8). As seen in FIG. 12, the first metal line 16 a, the second metal line 16 b, or both 16 a, 16 b can have substantially flat top surfaces.

As shown in FIGS. 11 & 12, the additional structures 36 can be electrically coupled to the substrate 10 by the metal line 18 and, optionally, second metal line 34. The additional structures 36 can be conductive lines, vias, capacitors, inductors, bonding pads, dummy patterns, or any other structure suitable for inclusion in the interconnect layers of an integrated circuit.

FIG. 13 shows the structure of FIG. 11 where an interlayer 38 has been deposited over the additional structure 36. In addition a second seed layer with third and fourth features 16 c, 16 d has been deposited over the interlayer 38. Third and fourth metal lines 18 c, 18 d have been deposited on the third and fourth features 16 c, 16 d. Third and fourth barrier layers 22 c, 22 d have been deposited on the third and fourth metal lines 18 c, 18 d. Finally, a dielectric material 40 has been deposited between the third and fourth metal lines 18 c, 18 d. All aspects of the first and second metal lines 18 a, 18 b, including their formation, properties, compositions and the components surrounding them can be applied to the third and fourth metal lines 18 c, 18 d.

The width of at least one metal line can be at least five times a height of the metal line in one embodiment, and the width of all metal lines can be at least five times a height in other embodiments. In still other embodiments, the width of the metal line or lines can be <1 H, or can range from 1 H to 2 H, or can range from 2 H to 3 H, or can range from 3 H to 4 H, or can range from 4 H to 5 H, or any combination thereof (e.g., <2 H or >3 H or range from 1 to 5 H).

FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the width (W) and height (H) of metal lines 18 with various widths. As can be seen, the widest metal line (FIG. 14C) has a substantially flat top, while the narrower metal lines of FIGS. 14A and 14B have rounded tops. In some embodiments, a substantially flat top is provided for depositing subsequent layers in the formation of a semiconductor structure.

Semiconductor structures 2 such as those shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 are now described. The semiconductor structures 2 can include a substrate 10 having an upper surface 12; and an interconnect layer 14 over the upper surface 12. The interconnect layer 14 can include a patterned seed layer 16 over the substrate 12, at least two metal lines 18 over the seed layer 16, and a dielectric material 20 between adjacent metal lines 18 a & 18 b.

A barrier layer 22 can surround lateral portions of the metal line 18, upper portions or the metal line 18, or both. The dielectric layer 20 can be formed of an extreme low-Å dielectric material or a low-Å dielectric material in some embodiments, and any other suitable dielectric material in other embodiments. The metal line 18 can include a metal (e.g., copper) and the barrier layer 22 can be a barrier to migration (e.g., diffusion) of the metal (e.g., copper). Additional structures 36 can be deposited over the interconnect layer 14. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where additional structures 36 are deposited over the interconnect layer 14 following deposition of a second metal line 38 as part of a via 28. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment where additional structures 36 are deposited over the interconnect layer 14 following planarization down to the metal line 18 (i.e., the planarization level 26 of FIG. 8).

One of the broader forms of the present disclosure involves a semiconductor structure. The semiconductor substructure can include a substrate having an upper surface; and an interconnect layer over the upper surface. The interconnect layer can include a patterned seed layer having a first feature and a second feature over the substrate. A first metal line can be over the first feature and a second metal line can be over the second feature. A dielectric material can be disposed between the first metal line and the second metal line. The first metal line has a rounded top surface.

In some embodiments, a width of the first metal line is less than five times a height of the first metal line.

In some embodiments, the second metal line has a substantially flat top surface.

In some embodiments, a width of the second metal line is at least five times a height of the second metal line.

In some embodiments, the seed layer can include an element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ru, Co, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, W, Sn, Ag Au, Pt, Ta, Ti, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a width of the first metal line, the second metal line or both, is at least five times the height of the metal line.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure can also include a barrier layer over the at least two metal lines.

In some embodiments, the barrier layer is not continuous between adjacent metal lines.

In some embodiments, the barrier layer is not conductive.

In some embodiments, an additional structure is deposited over the interconnect layer.

In some embodiments, the semiconductor structure further comprises a via connecting the first metal line to the additional structure.

Another of the broader forms of the present disclosure involves a method of forming a metal interconnect or via. The method can include providing a substrate having an upper surface; and forming an interconnect layer over the upper surface. Forming the interconnect layer can include forming a patterned seed layer having a first feature and a second feature over the upper surface; selectively depositing a first metal line over the first feature and a second metal line over the second features; and depositing a dielectric layer between adjacent metal lines. The first and second metal lines can be deposited by a method that comprises chemical direct plating.

In some embodiments, the method of forming the interconnect layer also includes forming a barrier layer around the first and second metal lines prior to depositing the dielectric layer.

In some embodiments, the barrier layer is formed using a chemical vapor deposition process.

In some embodiments, forming the barrier layer includes selectively depositing barrier materials so that the barrier layer is not deposited over the substrate between the first and second metal lines.

In some embodiments, forming the barrier layer includes etching the barrier layer to remove barrier material deposited between the first and second metal lines.

In some embodiments, forming the interconnect layer further comprises planarizing the dielectric layer.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first metal line, the second metal line, or both are planarized during the planarizing.

In some embodiments, the dielectric layer extends above the metal lines, and forming the interconnect layer also includes selectively etching a channel in the dielectric layer, and filling the channel with a conductive material, where the metal line and the conductive material are in electrical communication with one another.

In some embodiments, the method also includes electrically coupling one or more metal lines of the interconnect layer with additional structures.

In some embodiments, the substrate is a structured substrate.

In some embodiments, the method includes selectively depositing the metal line over the seed layer using chemical direct plating.

In some embodiments, the width of at least one metal line is at least five times a height of the metal line.

In some embodiments, the method also includes depositing additional metal lines over the interconnect layer. The additional metal lines can be deposited by a method that includes forming a second patterned seed layer having a third feature and a fourth feature over the interconnect layer, and selectively depositing a third metal line over the third feature and a fourth metal line over the fourth feature. The the third and fourth metal lines can be are deposited by a method that comprises chemical direct plating

Still another of the broader forms of the present disclosure involves a method for forming a metal interconnect or via. The method can include providing a substrate having an upper surface; forming an interconnect layer over the upper surface, and forming additional structures over the interconnect layer. Forming the interconnect layer can include forming a patterned seed layer over the upper surface, selectively depositing at least two metal lines over the seed layer, forming a barrier layer around the metal line, and depositing a dielectric layer between adjacent metal lines. One or more of the metal lines can be in electrical communication with the additional structures.

The preceding merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. It will thus be appreciated that those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to devise various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes and to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventors to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents and equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the figures of the accompanying drawing, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

Although the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the disclosure, which may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for forming a metal interconnect or via, comprising: providing a substrate having a planar upper surface; and forming an interconnect layer over the planar upper surface, wherein the forming the interconnect layer comprises: forming a patterned seed layer having a first feature and a second feature over the planar upper surface, selectively depositing a first metal line over the first feature and a second metal line over the second feature, and depositing a dielectric layer between the first and second metal lines, wherein said first and second metal lines are deposited by a method that comprises chemical direct plating.
 2. The method as in claim 11, wherein the forming the interconnect layer further comprises: forming a barrier layer around the first and second metal lines, prior to depositing the dielectric layer.
 3. The method as in claim 12, wherein the forming the barrier layer comprises selectively depositing barrier materials so that the barrier layer is not deposited over the substrate between adjacent metal lines.
 4. The method as in claim 12, wherein the forming the barrier layer comprises etching the barrier layer to remove barrier material deposited between adjacent metal lines.
 5. The method as in claim 11, wherein the forming the interconnect layer further comprises planarizing the dielectric layer.
 6. The method as in claim 11, wherein the dielectric layer extends above the first metal line, the second metal line, or both, and forming the interconnect layer further comprises: selectively etching a channel in the dielectric layer, and filling the channel with a conductive material, wherein the metal line and the conductive material are in electrical communication with one another.
 7. The method as in claim 11, further comprising electrically coupling one or more metal lines of the interconnect layer with additional structures.
 8. The method as in claim 11, further comprising depositing additional metal lines over said interconnect layer, said depositing additional metal lines comprising: forming a second patterned seed layer having a third feature and a fourth feature over the interconnect layer, and selectively depositing a third metal line over the third feature and a fourth metal line over the fourth feature, wherein the third and fourth metal lines are deposited by a method that comprises chemical direct plating.
 9. The method as in claim 11, wherein the first metal line has a rounded top surface.
 10. A method for forming a metal interconnect or via, comprising: providing a substrate having a planar upper surface; and forming an interconnect layer over the planar upper surface, wherein the forming the interconnect layer comprises: forming a patterned seed layer over the planar upper surface, selectively depositing at least two metal lines over the seed layer, forming a barrier layer around the metal line, and depositing a dielectric layer between adjacent metal lines; and forming additional structures over the interconnect layer, wherein one or more of the metal lines are in electrical communication with the additional structures.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least one of the metal lines has a round top surface.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising depositing a second seed layer over the additional structures.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising depositing a third metal line and a fourth metal line over respective features in the second seed layer.
 14. The method of claim 10, wherein the additional structures include one of the group consisting of conductive lines, vias, capacitors, inductors, bonding pads, and dummy patterns.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the patterned seed layer comprises an element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ru, Co, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, W, Sn, Ag Au, Pt, Ta, Ti, or combinations thereof.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the barrier layer is not continuous between adjacent metal lines.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the barrier layer is a metal.
 18. A method comprising: patterning a seed layer of an interconnect structure located entirely over a planar upper surface of a semiconductor substrate, so that the seed layer includes a first feature and a second feature, forming a first metal line over the first feature, wherein the first metal line has a planar bottom surface extending between opposing sides of the first metal line, a length of the first metal line is greater than a width of the first metal line, and the first metal line has a rounded top surface including opposing rounded sides that intersect opposite edges of the planar bottom surface, forming a second metal line over the second feature, forming a conductive barrier layer on the at least two metal lines, and depositing a dielectric material between the first metal line and the second metal line.
 19. The method as in claim 18, further comprising electrically coupling one or more metal lines of the interconnect layer with additional structures.
 20. The method as in claim 18, further comprising: depositing additional metal lines over said interconnect layer, said depositing additional metal lines comprising: forming a second patterned seed layer having a third feature and a fourth feature over the interconnect layer, and selectively depositing a third metal line over the third feature and a fourth metal line over the fourth feature, wherein the third and fourth metal lines are deposited by a method that comprises chemical direct plating. 